emsemsems's review against another edition
4.0
Very impressed with the content of this cookbook. It's not easy to find a decent Japanese cookbook by a non-Japanese publisher. I particularly enjoyed the later half of the book - especially the guest recipes from one of my favourite restaurants ever - 'Koya Bar' 50 Frith Street, LDN (been there countless times, and made so many wonderful memories there). I literally got so mad excited when I saw 'Koya Bar' on the pages of the cookbook.
I've read some reviews from other readers complaining about the lack of 'authenticity'/commitment to traditional Japanese methods/menu. I, on the other hand was not bothered by that. If I wanted a recipe for a fucking onigiri, I'd look it up on Pinterest/CookPad (or ring a mate's mum). I think this book is more suited for someone who is already familiar with Japanese cuisine/food/culture, and not for someone (who most likely has a very fanciful yet rigid idea of what 'Japanese' food/culture is while being far too ignorant) who needs to have their ridiculous expectations met.
Some of the recipes actually reminds me of a lot of my last visit to Kyoto. The weather was wet and cold; and/but the hotel had a cozy restaurant that served an amazing selection of comfort food. I think I must have spent almost 2 hours there everyday - drinking hot tea, having breakfast (always with a bowl of steaming rice, miso soup, pickles, grilled fish, and a miscellany of side dishes), and taking in the views of a Japanese-style garden outside.
The only complaint I have about this cookbook is that a lot of the recipes are not meticulously crafted. For instance, I've been learning how to make 'udon' properly for the past couple of months - so naturally I was a little triggered when I came across the 'udon' recipe in the book. I felt like it was way too simple, and that the author could've expanded/written more about it. But of course that's just my biased opinion. But regardless, this is probably the best book about Japanese food written in English that I've ever stumbled upon. It's a brilliant introduction to Japanese food and then more. I'll just end this review here, so I can go make myself some 'Herring and Chrysanthemum Soup' with a side of 'Eggplant Fritters'.
I've read some reviews from other readers complaining about the lack of 'authenticity'/commitment to traditional Japanese methods/menu. I, on the other hand was not bothered by that. If I wanted a recipe for a fucking onigiri, I'd look it up on Pinterest/CookPad (or ring a mate's mum). I think this book is more suited for someone who is already familiar with Japanese cuisine/food/culture, and not for someone (who most likely has a very fanciful yet rigid idea of what 'Japanese' food/culture is while being far too ignorant) who needs to have their ridiculous expectations met.
Some of the recipes actually reminds me of a lot of my last visit to Kyoto. The weather was wet and cold; and/but the hotel had a cozy restaurant that served an amazing selection of comfort food. I think I must have spent almost 2 hours there everyday - drinking hot tea, having breakfast (always with a bowl of steaming rice, miso soup, pickles, grilled fish, and a miscellany of side dishes), and taking in the views of a Japanese-style garden outside.
The only complaint I have about this cookbook is that a lot of the recipes are not meticulously crafted. For instance, I've been learning how to make 'udon' properly for the past couple of months - so naturally I was a little triggered when I came across the 'udon' recipe in the book. I felt like it was way too simple, and that the author could've expanded/written more about it. But of course that's just my biased opinion. But regardless, this is probably the best book about Japanese food written in English that I've ever stumbled upon. It's a brilliant introduction to Japanese food and then more. I'll just end this review here, so I can go make myself some 'Herring and Chrysanthemum Soup' with a side of 'Eggplant Fritters'.
carlynclark's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
joankite's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book I want to buy it. Beautiful to look at. Highly informative. Even though it's $75, this book is a keeper.
More...